Off Limits

Japanese politicians can dispatch loudspeaker trucks to peaceful neighborhoods, begging for votes at decibel levels that would ensure defeat in any Western country. They can use telephone banks without restrictions to harass voters at dinner time. But what politicians in Japan may not do during an election campaign is the least invasive form of politicking yet invented: They may not post campaign literature on the Internet.

A month after banning skateboarding near the Newport Pier, the City Council is now considering amending the municipal code to prohibit the use of skateboards and roller skates in other areas of Newport Beach. Currently, the municipal code gives the council discretion to regulate the use of roller skates and skateboards only on public streets and sidewalks.

The Netherlands plans to ban foreign visitors from pot shops in a move that opponents have labeled "tourism suicide. " The Dutch government is trying to stop drug tourism in the country, according to a recent announcement . Under the plan, the "coffee shops" that sell marijuana will become private clubs limited to adult Dutch citizens who have to show proof of ID and become a member to buy marijuana. The Netherlands has long been known for its liberal policy on marijuana sales and use, making places such as Amsterdam a must-see stop for certain college kids and other young travelers.

Ads call Madonna's new movie "the erotic thriller of the year." But anyone under age 17 can see the pop star bare her breasts and make steamy love to Willem Dafoe in "Body of Evidence"--if they are accompanied by an adult. It's rated R. On the other hand, the movie industry's toughest warning to parents was given to the upcoming "Wide Sargasso Sea," an art-house film that has only modest lovemaking scenes compared to "Body of Evidence" or last year's R-rated "Basic Instinct."

Strutting the stage in her white tuxedo jacket, shorts and sparkling top hat, Taylor Swift opened Sunday's Grammy Awards with a live performance of her current hit, "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together. " Inside Staples Center, the singer's performance earned loud applause. But to the Twitterverse watching at home, the pop and country superstar sang a little bit flat. Swift was dancing in the footsteps of countless artists who have performed live at music's biggest night.

For the first time in several years, Navy officials have declared two San Diego parks off-limits to sailors because of widespread violence and drug peddling. The Armed Forces Disciplinary Board banned sailors from frequenting the Southeast Athletic Field at 45th Street and Logan Avenue and the parking area of South Mission Beach Park, in the 600 block of Mission Boulevard.

A new shark sighting has prompted lifeguards to close the waters off Stinson Beach, about 20 miles northwest of San Francisco, rather than allow swimmers and surfers back into the waves as planned after a recent shark attack, officials said Wednesday. A diver saw a shark about 100 yards offshore about 7 p.m. Tuesday, said Xavier Agnew, a lifeguard with the National Park Service. Though the beach and park remain open, swimming and surfing remain off-limits until Sunday.

The Army Reserve can't use Bidwell Park for war games anymore because the soldiers are scaring the civilians, Chico's planning commission has decided. The criticism stemmed from small squad tactics practiced in the 2,400-acre municipal park on Jan. 12 by about 10 officers and 30 enlisted personnel of an Army Reserve battalion.

A 19-year-old man apparently drowned Saturday while swimming in a reservoir near Haines Debris Basin in Tujunga, which is not open to the public, officials said. Witnesses told police the man went into the water about 12:20 p.m. and did not resurface. After two hours of searching, divers pulled his body from the water. His name was not released pending notification of his family.

Hatred and intolerance are targeted in "Love Off Limits," a thoughtful, nuanced "CBS Schoolbreak Special" about freedom of expression, airing today at 3 p.m. (Channels 2 and 8). The plot centers around a high school student film exploring the concepts of marriage and love, which makes the finals of a statewide competition but provokes concern from school board chief Ben Kane (John Savage).